Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pushes for Kangra Airport Expansion and Heliport Development

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pushes for Kangra Airport Expansion and Heliport Development

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a strong case for the expansion of Kangra airport and the construction of heliports across the state during a recent meeting with Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in New Delhi.

Kangra Airport Expansion:

• Current limitations: The existing runway at Kangra airport is only 1376 meters long, restricting the operation of larger aircraft like Airbus A320s.
• Expansion plans: The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to expedite the expansion of the runway to 3010 meters, enabling the landing and takeoff of A320s. This would significantly improve air connectivity to the picturesque Kangra Valley, a popular tourist destination.
• State government commitment: CM Sukhu assured the Union Minister that the state government would complete the land acquisition process required for the expansion project.

Heliport Development:

• Boosting tourism and emergency services: Recognizing the potential of heliports for tourism and emergency medical services, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to prioritize the construction of nine proposed heliports in the first phase.
• Focus on tribal and remote areas: The heliports would be strategically located in district headquarters and tribal areas, providing much-needed connectivity and facilitating faster medical evacuation in case of emergencies, especially during the harsh winter months.
• Sanjauli heliport operationalization: The Chief Minister also sought the Union Minister’s support for the operationalization of the Sanjauli heliport near Shimla.

Union Minister’s Response:

• Positive outlook: Union Minister Scindia expressed his support for the proposed projects and assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance.
• UDAAN scheme: He informed that heliports for Rakkad, Palampur, Chamba, and Reckong Peo were being considered under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, while the remaining heliports would be considered in the next phase.
• Sanjauli heliport progress: He also directed the Ministry officials to expedite the process of operationalizing the Sanjauli heliport.

the meeting between Chief Minister Sukhu and Union Minister Scindia marks a significant step forward in the development of Himachal Pradesh’s air infrastructure. The expansion of Kangra airport and the construction of heliports across the state hold immense potential to boost tourism, improve emergency services, and enhance connectivity, particularly in remote and tribal areas.